Maybe it seems a little off season during summer months, but this hearty Italian dish is simple to make, including in advance, rich tasting and satisfying when you don’t want to barbecue burgers and want something easy and delicious to serve for a dinner party or as a treat your family.

When my kids were growing up, this was one of their favorites, plus it was one of the first dishes my son mastered; (he’s now 28 and an excellent cook).

As I said, this can easily be made in advance as there are only a few steps. Just make it through step 1, refrigerate and do the final baking just before you’re ready to serve. Very easy, very delicious, low carb–hope it becomes a favorite for you too!

Chicken Italiano ( serves 3-6)

INGREDIENTS:

–6-8 Chicken pieces (we prefer breasts and thighs)

–1 32 oz. jar pasta sauce ( I’m a Mazzetta’s fan- any type of theirs is very good– or make your own)

Chicken is such a versatile meat; we enjoy it in many of its iterations from simple roast to this delicious Greek- inspired version chock full of flavor (and healthy veggies).

You can buy pre-cut chicken pieces or buy a whole chicken and cut it up yourself. I like doing it that way as it’s fresher and less expensive. Plus I skin my chickens before cooking as well.

Something I learned is not to rinse chicken in advance of cooking- it just spreads any bacteria. Cooking itself kills whatever is on the poultry. Do clean your knives (or kitchen scissors, cleavers, etc.) and boards thoroughly with hot water and detergent.

This is a variation of an an authentic Indian recipe taught to me years ago by a lovely Indian woman when I lived in Toronto.

This version adds veggies including carrots, mushrooms and spinach. The condiments are as I learned, with the optional addition of avocado.

I recently cooked it for friends in FL, and it was a big hit! Yes, we also had Basmati rice–again, Rick was limited to 1/2 cup.

The prep is somewhat time consuming, including the condiments, but they are essential to the experience– don’t skip them!

Chicken Curry with Vegetables and Condiments

INGREDIENTS (this is for 2-4; 2 with leftovers–increase if you’re feeding a larger group)

1 chicken breast, 2 whole legs/thighs; deboned and chopped into 1″ pieces; (I buy them with bones and skin and chop and remove the skin myself as it’s cheaper, but you can buy the skinned, boneless – definitely faster)

1 large onion chopped into 1/2″ pieces

1-2 carrots, chopped into 1/2″ pieces

1 cup spinach, chopped

1/2-3/4 cup mushrooms (we use Cremini), chopped into 1/2″ pieces

2-4 Tbsp. Safflower or other high heat oil

1-3 Tbsp curry powder to taste

1/2 tsp Tabasco or red pepper flakes

1/2 cup Coconut cream* or plain full fat yoghurt (if dairy is not a problem)

1/2 cup water

2-3 tsp. lime juice (juice of 1/2 lime)

Condiments:

1 cucumber, peeled and chopped

1 large tomato, chopped

1/3 cup onion, chopped

2 bananas, chopped

1/2 cup roasted or raw unsalted cashews

2-3 Tbsp red wine vinegar

1 cup plain yoghurt

optional: 1 avocado, sliced; squeeze of lime

TO DO: note: have 3 (4 if serving avocado) medium bowls and 1 small one for serving condiments

Curry:

1. Heat 1-2 Tbsp oil in large saucepan or electric skillet.

2. Add the curry powder and brown for 5 minutes, sprinkling with water if it seems to be burning (this is important as it brings out the flavor). Add the chicken pieces and brown 5 minutes per side, mixing them in the curry powder. Put aside.

3. Heat 1-2 Tbs oil, add the onions and saute for 5 minutes; add carrots and mushrooms, and saute for another 5-6 minutes.

4. Add the spinach and cook 2-3 minutes; add the chicken back in the pan, and add the coconut cream or yoghurt, and water, and Tabasco. Stir all gently together.

This is my version of a recipe I originally saw in Sunset Magazine. I made the Sunset-as-was recipe first and found it somewhat boring. I now add a more intense spice flavor, with cumin, cinnamon and turmeric; spices that also are supposed to help with blood pressure, plus we like the taste.

This dish is a two- step process, as you brown the chicken first, but still quite easy and very satisfying. I serve it over brown rice to sop up the juices. (Rick only eats 1/2 cup, but enjoys every grain!)

By the way, we like leftovers, so we make more than what the two of us eat in one meal; if you do too, this recipe serves 3-4. Of course, you can make amounts as you like.

As usual, we also have a green salad with a vinaigrette. My parents were European so I still carry on the habit of eating my salad after the main course, which is even more delicious as I think I enjoy the tastiness more as a “finish” to my meal.

Note: This dish could be made with leftover turkey from your holiday meal. Even simpler; just cook the vegetables, add chunks or slices of turkey, spices, lemon, and heat for 5-10 minutes. Just thought of it as I’m making a turkey for our families’ get together Christmas Eve, and may make this for Christmas Day.

Enjoy! And happy holidays!

Moroccan Chicken and Vegetables

INGREDIENTS

6-8 chicken thighs (I skin and defat them before cooking); also don’t rinse them as it’s been found to spread any bacteria that may be on them. Cooking kills the bacteria.

3-4 peppers, sliced or julienned (I don’t like green, so I use red, orange and yellow- plus they look pretty)

3-4 carrots, sliced in 1/2 ” rounds

2 med or 1 large onion, chopped

2-3 Tbsp olive oil

flour for dusting chicken

1/2-1 tsp cumin

1/2-1 tsp turmeric

1 tsp. cinnamon

salt free seasoning, pepper; or use salt if you can

1-2 Tbsp juice plus grated rind (yellow only as the white is bitter)

3/4–1 cup white wine

ground red pepper or cayenne to taste and dust on top before serving (or use paprika)

TO DO:

1. Shake chicken thighs in a bag with flour and salt/salt free seasoning and pepper

2. Heat olive oil in large skillet; add chicken thighs in single layer. Brown on one side for 5 minutes; turn and brown second side 5 minutes.